Arabian Knights

Gingering up the arena of casual dining in Colombo with an orchestra of Arabic and Middle Eastern cuisine is the prestigious restaurant of ‘Arabian Knights’.

The Menu

The cuisine at ‘Arabian Knights’ is crafted from carefully sourced ingredients and authentic herbs and spices imported from the Middle East. Moroccan style Harira Soup and Chicken Shorba Soup is served hot; jazzed up with exotic condiments. Whet your appetite with the Levantine creamy dip, Hummus served with Saj Bread which is a Middle Eastern flatbread. Fattoush, the tangy and colourful Lebanese salad and Moutabel, the popular eggplant and yoghurt dip are other cold starters. A selection of hot starters features Saru’s Samosa crafted to a homemade recipe and Falafel, the Middle Eastern street food favourite.

Mains at this Middle Eastern restaurant in Colombo showcase Shawarmas and Sandwiches, grilled dishes and Subs, Rice and Couscous and an array of Asian tuck-ins. The Double Kebab Sandwich contains a mix of Orfali and Kofta Kebabs whilst the Syriana Shawarma comes with meat fillings. Grilled delights include Sheesh Tawouk which presents golden chicken cubes and Mutton Kebabs. From Saudi Arabian Kabsa Rice served with grilled chicken, to Beef Tajine with Couscous, choices are aplenty. A range of Breads such as hot and fluffy Lebanese Pita Bread and traditional Saj Bread is also on the cards.

Ease into the afternoon vibes with your pick from the restaurant’s Mocktail menu which features The Camel’s Fury which is a feat of pineapple and strawberry, and Aladdin’s Zest which is a mishmash of orange, vanilla ice cream and ginger ale. Bask in a Yalla Poma, a Smoothie made of pomegranate and homemade yoghurt or a Coco Manana, an orchestra of banana and chocolate. Captivating desserts include Umm Ali, the Egyptian Bread Pudding and Muhalabia, a milky treat flavoured with rose and topped with nuts.

The Experience

The ambiance of ‘Arabian Knights’ of the Colombo 3 branch, titled 'Damascus', is artistic and chic, with bouts of the Middle Eastern aesthetic. The buzzing main dining area which is the heart of the restaurant, seats 40 guests. A dimly-lit private room accommodates 25 diners whilst another small, informal room featuring comfy low cushions caters to a small group of 12. The interiors take on an orange-yellow colour palette which teams up with exotic, blue-cushioned furniture and hanging metallic ceiling lamps to craft a faraway, outlandish atmosphere. Aptly named 'Beirut' after its culinary specialties, the Colombo 5 branch boasts of similar interiors, framing out a setting that's cosy with an artful touch.